Cities

This briefing provides a global perspective of the key trends occurring in cities over 2018 -2023. It goes on to provide forecast data and insights for cities over 2024-2040, covering areas such as the economic, population and consumer spending…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries in 2024. Global inflation is moderating, although divergence among the key economies remains. Supply chain and commodities markets disruptions remain the key risks for…

Technological advances in 2024 will continue to reshape consumer behaviour. This annual report explores the top five digital shopper trends that will redefine commerce the most in the year ahead. Some of the trends included in this report’s edition…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries in Q4 2023 and 2024. Global inflation is moderating, although divergence remains among the key economies. Higher volatility in the energy markets and disruption of…

The global economy is facing weaker growth and increasing fragmentation, as a result of rising geopolitical tensions, especially due to the war in Ukraine and the US-China strategic rivalry. Protectionism, industrial policy and a focus on resilience…

In 2022, Egypt’s urban landscape was rapidly evolving, with Cairo projected to maintain its status as the most populous city in the country by 2027. Suez stands out with strong internet connectivity, attracting digital businesses, while Asyut is…

Taipei and Hsinchu emerge as Taiwan's most economically thriving cities, while Taoyuan exhibits the greatest potential for future economic expansion. Nevertheless, Taiwanese cities will face ongoing challenges. In the short term, these include a…

Monterrey and Mexico City emerge as Mexico's most economically dynamic cities, with Puebla displaying the greatest potential for future economic expansion. Nevertheless, Mexican cities will grapple with persistent challenges. In the short term, these…

Milan and Bologna stand out as Italy's most economically dynamic cities, with Bari displaying the greatest potential for future economic expansion. However, Italian cities will face enduring challenges. In the short term, these include a global…

Munich and Frankfurt am Main stand out as Germany's most economically dynamic cities, while Mannheim exhibits the greatest promise for future economic expansion. Nonetheless, cities in Germany will confront persistent challenges. In the short term,…

Antofagasta and Iquique emerge as Chile's most economically dynamic cities, with Antofagasta displaying the greatest promise for future economic expansion. Nevertheless, Chilean cities will face persistent challenges. In the short term, these…

Buenos Aires and Rosario stand out as Argentina's most economically dynamic cities. Meanwhile, La Plata shows the greatest promise for future economic expansion. Nevertheless, cities in the country will face ongoing hurdles. In the short term, these…

Algiers and Constantine stand out as Algeria's primary economic hubs, with Djelfa showing significant potential for future growth. Tibissah and Sétif are poised for substantial increases in internet penetration. Nonetheless, these cities will face…

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are Vietnam’s most economically vibrant cities. Going forward, the populations of Vietnamese cities will continue to expand, with a relatively youthful demographic profile. However, the anticipated rapid economic…

Rayong and Pattaya-Chonburi stand out as Thailand's most economically dynamic cities, while Maha Sarakham demonstrates the greatest promise for future economic expansion. Nonetheless, cities in Thailand will face ongoing challenges. In the short…

Casablanca and Tétouan stand out as Morocco's economic hubs, while Agadir shows most potential for economic growth from 2022 to 2027. Over medium term, Casablanca and Fez are set to record the most significant internet penetration growth. Yet, the…

Abu Dhabi and Al Ain are the UAE’s most economically vibrant cities. Meanwhile, Fujairah holds the highest potential for future economic growth, boosting incomes and expenditure growth for the city’s population. Going forward, cities in the United…

Lisbon and Porto stand out as Portugal’s most economically dynamic cities, while Braga shows the greatest potential for future economic development. Nonetheless, cities in Portugal will face ongoing challenges. In the short term, these include a…

Accra and Kumasi stand as the foremost economic powerhouses within Ghana. Furthermore, Accra is poised for substantial future economic expansion. Nevertheless, urban centres in the nation will grapple with ongoing issues. In the short term, these…

Prague and Brno are the Czech Republic’s most economically vibrant cities. Moreover, Brno holds the highest potential for future economic growth. However, challenges will persist for the country’s cities – in the near term, global economic…

Helsinki, Finland’s most populous city in 2022, continues to attract people seeking education and job opportunities. Following a brief urban exodus during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, cities like Helsinki are witnessing population growth,…

Toronto will remain Canada's most populous city in 2027. Strong internet connectivity will drive 5G adoption and digital transformation. Toronto will continue as the largest consumer market. Ottawa - Gatineau had the highest inflation in 2022, while…

Sofia and Stara Zagora are Bulgaria’s most economically vibrant cities, having the highest GDP per capita among the country’s cities. Meanwhile, Burgas holds the highest potential for future economic growth. However, challenges for the country’s…

Campinas and Brasília stand out as Brazil's most economically thriving cities, while Belém shows promising potential for future economic expansion. Nevertheless, Brazilian cities will continue to face challenges. In the short term, these include a…

Dhaka and Khulna are Bangladesh’s most economically vibrant cities. Moreover, Dhaka holds the highest potential for future economic growth. However, challenges for the country’s cities will persist – in the near term, global economic slowdown,…

Luanda and Lubango are Angola’s most economically vibrant cities. While lagging behind their global counterparts, these cities are leaders in Angola in terms of digital connectivity. Luanda, with the highest potential for future economic growth, also…

In 2022, Pakistan’s urban landscape witnessed significant developments, with Karachi maintaining its position as the most populous city, driven by net migration and a growing urban population trend. Peshawar emerged as a digital hub, boasting high…

Oslo is projected to remain Norway’s most populous city by 2027, with a focus on education and employment opportunities. The urban population across Norway is predicted to grow, driven by factors like net migration and a better quality of life in…

Budapest and Gyor stand as Hungary’s economic powerhouses, with Budapest showing the greatest promise for future economic expansion. However, the country’s cities will continue to face persistent challenges. In the short term, these challenges…

Athens and Larissa stand out as Greece’s most economically dynamic cities, with Larissa demonstrating the greatest potential for future economic expansion. However, Greek cities will face enduring challenges. In the short term, this includes a global…

Mekele and Hawassa stand out as Ethiopia's most economically dynamic cities, while Dire Dawa emerges as the city with the greatest potential for future economic expansion. Ethiopian cities will face ongoing challenges. In the short term, these…

Guayaquil will remain Ecuador's most populous city in 2027. Quito's strong internet connectivity makes it appealing for online businesses. Guayaquil will continue as the largest consumer market. Manta saw the highest inflation in 2022. Quito had the…

Bogota is expected to maintain its position as Colombia’s most populous city and top consumer market in 2027. The capital boasts robust internet connectivity and economic stability, making it attractive to businesses. However, high inflation in Santa…

Vienna is set to remain Austria's most populous city by 2027 while Linz leads in disposable income per capita. Austria's cities boast high internet connectivity, paving the way for 5G network adoption and digital transformation. Salzburg, Graz and…

Zurich is projected to remain the most populous city and the leading city economically in 2027, driven by its strong consumer market and high disposable incomes. However, Lausanne faces challenges, with the highest inflation rate among major cities…

Madrid and Bilbao are vibrant economic hubs in Spain, while Palma de Mallorca is set to record the highest population increase between 2022 and 2027. Madrid and Palma de Mallorca are set to lead in digital connectivity among cities. Palma de Mallorca…

Emalahleni and Pretoria are emerging as vibrant economic hubs in South Africa, with Emalahleni experiencing the fastest population increase between 2022 and 2027. Cape Town and Pretoria are set to lead in digital connectivity among cities, while…

Dammam and Jeddah stand as Saudi Arabia’s most economically vibrant cities, boasting the highest per capita GDP. Dammam has the highest per capita disposable incomes, while Jeddah takes the lead in productivity levels. Additionally, Jubail emerges as…

Mandalay and Monywa are Myanmar’s most economically vibrant cities, benefiting from higher productivity levels and more extensive digitalisation as compared to other cities in the country. Meanwhile, Yangon holds the highest potential for future…

Nairobi and Mombasa are emerging as vibrant economic hubs in South Africa, with Nairobi experiencing the fastest population increase between 2022 and 2027. Nairobi and Mombasa are also set to lead in digital connectivity among cities, while Eldoret…

Cork and Limerick shine as Ireland’s most economically dynamic cities, with Limerick displaying the greatest potential for future economic expansion. Nonetheless, Irish cities will confront persistent challenges. In the short term, these encompass a…

Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca stand as Romania’s most economically vibrant cities, while Timisoara is the city with the greatest promise for future economic expansion. Nevertheless, Romanian urban centres will continue to grapple with persistent…

Kuching and Kuala Lumpur stand out as Malaysia’s most economically vibrant cities, with George Town showing the highest potential for future growth. The country’s cities are set to remain youthful, diverse and digitally connected, driving rapid…

Samarinda and Surabaya are Indonesia’s most economically vibrant cities. Meanwhile, Makassar holds the greatest potential for future economic growth. However, challenges for the country’s cities will persist – in the near term, inflationary pressures…

Stockholm and Gothenburg are Sweden’s most economically vibrant cities. Meanwhile, Norrköping holds the highest potential for future economic growth. However, challenges for the country’s cities will persist – in the near term, the global economic…

Denmark’s urban landscape is evolving with demographic shifts and technological advancements. In 2022, Copenhagen remained a populous hub, embracing 5G and smart city solutions. Economic strength persists, but inflation challenges purchasing power.…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries. Global inflation is moderating, although divergence among the key economies increases. Higher volatility in the energy markets and disruption of agricultural commodities…

Lima is projected to remain Peru’s most populous city by 2027, serving as a prime location for internet-based businesses due to its superior connectivity. Meanwhile, cities like Chimbote grapple with inflation, and Tacna enjoys high disposable…

The UK’s most economically vibrant cities in terms of GDP per capita are London and Edinburgh, while Brighton has the highest potential for future economic growth. Portsmouth, on the other hand, is anticipated to experience the fastest increase in…

Lagos and Abuja emerge as vibrant economic centres in Nigeria, with Abuja showcasing potential for future growth and witnessing the fastest population increase from 2022 to 2027. Maiduguri is poised to excel as the city with the highest digital…